Research Interests

My research interests are focused on the ecology and evolution of birds and mammals. Areas of specific interest include the evolution of plumage coloration in birds, especially in plumage dimorphic species such as Reddish Egrets (Egretta rufescens). I am also interested in the evolutionary and ecological significance of sociality in birds and mammals and the effects of sociality in foraging, territoriality and reproductive behavior. Furthermore, I am interested in the conservation implications associated with understanding the social behavior of birds and mammals. I also have graduate students studying a broad array of topics in mammalian and avian ecology including habitat use, reproductive ecology, foraging behavior, and survey methodology. Past and on-going projects include: (1) Influence and ecological significance of plumage coloration in waterbirds, (2) Survey and monitoring of waterbird colonies, (3) Ecology and status of the Reddish Egret, and (4) Reproductive ecology of waterbirds, both colonial and solitary nesting species.